Government of Canada Approves Avalon Rare Metals Inc. Nechalacho Rare Earth Element Project

OTTAWA, Nov. 6, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, announced the approval of the Avalon Rare Metals Inc. Nechalacho Rare Earth Element Project based on the recommendation of the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board.

"Our Government is committed to ensuring that Northerners have access to the same economic opportunities as all Canadians," said Minister Valcourt. "The Avalon Rare Metals Inc. Nechalacho Project represents a tremendous economic opportunity for the Northwest Territories and will lead to jobs and benefits for Northerners."

The Project now moves into the regulatory phase, led by the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board (MVLWB).

The Avalon Rare Metals Inc. Nechalacho Project is a proposed underground rare earth element mine and processing facility located in the south-east region of the Northwest Territories with an expected 20-year operating lifespan.

The proposed development includes an underground mine, a flotation plant, an 8 km road, a tailings management facility at Thor Lake, barge docking facilities on Great Slave Lake, and a hydrometallurgical processing plant at the former Pine Point mine area. Avalon proposes to ship concentrate by barge across Great Slave Lake to the hydrometallurgical facility.

The project was approved by the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, with concurrence from responsible Ministers for this project, including the Ministers of Environment and Transport, and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

This release is also available on the Internet at www.aandc.gc.ca.

SOURCE: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada